Table of contents for February 2025 in ELLE UK

THIS ISSUE IS A VERY SPECIAL ONE BECAUSE IT KICKS OFF OUR 40TH anniversary at ELLE UK, a milestone we’ll be marking all year long. Yes, 12 months of celebration. Because we could all use some joy right now, and who doesn’t love a birthday? In preparation, the team and I have been diving deep into our archives, revisiting iconic covers, shoots and stories from over the years. And in the midst of sifting through it all – the trends that have come and gone, the models and designers who have risen up the ranks, and the cover lines that aged well (and the ones that didn’t) – one thing was crystal clear: ELLE has always been ahead of its time, looking at fashion within the context of the world…

wear: SUPERSONIC SHADES With all eyes on the new season, it’s time to update your day-to-day frames with fashion’s new favourites. The best are charged with a villainous energy that leaves you dressed to kill. Look to Balenciaga, Aaron Esh and McQueen for the how-to. read: THE LIFE OF HEROD THE GREAT Beloved civil-rights activist and author of Their Eyes Were Watching God Zora Neale Hurston humanises one of the most infamous Biblical figures in her final, previously unpublished novel. Out 7 January. listen: FKA TWIGS On her highly anticipated third studio album Eusexua (a term she coined herself), Twigs invites us to forget the constraints of the world and lose ourselves in human connection and desire with her ethereal soundscapes and evocative lyrics. Out 24 January. watch: BABYGIRL Nicole Kidman clinched Best Actress…

ELLE at 40 TO CELEBRATE 40 YEARS OF ELLE UK, we’re hosting 40 members’ events throughout 2025, from interactive fashion and beauty workshops to film screenings and socials. Unlock a curated world of fashion, beauty and culture. HERE’S WHAT’S COMING UP BEAUTY WORKSHOPS Try new products from cult beauty brands, including Chanel and Dr Barbara Sturm, at interactive sessions led by ELLE’s beauty team. CULTURE CLUB Attend author-led book clubs curated by ELLE editors. Plus, watch new releases throughout the year at our special-screening series. Join post-film Q&As with stars such as Kerry Washington, Phoebe Dynevor and Danielle Deadwyler. STYLING MASTERCLASSES Get advice from ELLE experts and industry insiders at our intimate in-store shopping events in collaboration with luxury labels, including Marc Jacobs, Gucci and more. HERE’S WHAT YOU MISSED…

TAMISON O’CONNOR Fashion Features Director This quilted jacket from Marfa Stance is lightweight yet warm when layered on top of the brand’s shearling liners, which are easily detachable for when the temperature starts to rise. I’ll wear it with a rollneck jumper, checked mini-skirt and leather combat boots. HOW TO WEAR IT CRYSTALLE COX Sittings Editor Bottega Veneta’s new Ciao Ciao bag will be my investment of the season – and a staple that will last for years to come. I will pair it with a Carven top and an Arket skirt for some high-low dressing, and add something from Pandora’s new lab-grown diamond range for a touch of sparkle this spring. HOW TO WEAR IT AUGUSTINE HAMMOND Fashion Features Writer This micro-mini-skirt from Le Kilt has been on my…

A practical hero emerges as this season’s must-have piece: the wear-everywhere sports jacket. Of course it looks great at the gym or on the track, but you’ll find it’s best worn out of context, as seen at Miu Miu and Dior. Try surprising combinations, pairing it with a sequin dress à la Prada, or with a gown like at Ralph Lauren. Zip up on this and you’ll be well versed (and dressed) when it becomes the sartorial star of the summer.…

Less is more Even cool neutrals can shine – just add golden accents and a statement bag…

EYESHADOW CHANEL STYLO OMBRE ET CONTOUR, £34 Kathleen Hou, Beauty Director, ELLE USA ‘This one pen can do it all. Use it as an eyeliner or eyeshadow, or even to tightline the eyes. This product is a Chanel classic, and for good reason. Every shade in the range is flattering and blends easily – no skill required.’ LIPS YSL LOVESHINE LIPSTICK, £36 Katherine Lalancette, Beauty Director, ELLE Canada ‘The shine is unreal! I love how you can build up the colour from sheer to bold, but my favourite thing about this product is how amazing it makes your lips feel: plump, juicy and satin-smooth.’ FOUNDATION DIOR FOREVER SKIN PERFECT MULTI-USE FOUNDATION STICK, £48 Natalija Knežević, Senior Journalist, ELLE Serbia ‘From the first swipe, I was impressed. This stick offers everything…

A CANDLE FLICKERS ON THE COFFEE table, sending a wisp of smoke into an empty, white-washed room. Foreign noises creak outside. I stare at the blank walls and the pictures scattered on the floor that are waiting to be hung. It’s been just three days since I was handed the keys to my flat; living alone is unfamiliar territory. I picture the year I had mapped out – the marriage proposal, the engagement party, the joint house purchase – now all out of sight, the sound of the words ‘I don’t love you anymore’ still ringing. I was by myself for the first time in nearly a decade, and it terrified me. That’s not surprising – solitude has a bad reputation. It can feel shameful (the ‘loner’ makes an easy…

FLOWEROVLOVE This south-London artist’s dreamy pop music is primed to conquer the States IT’S A BIG DAY FOR FLOWEROVLOVE – REAL NAME JOYCE CISSÉ – who is in New York preparing for her first ever gig in the city. The show is capping off what has been a busy year for the young British singer, who has been releasing music and touring extensively. ‘I’ve fallen in love with NYC,’ she says. ‘I’ve been here for, like, not even 24 hours, but it’s amazing!’ Aged 19, Cissé – whose stage name started as an Instagram handle – has been making music for a number of years, having released tracks from her south-London bedroom since her mid-teens. Though she is yet to enter her twenties, you immediately get the sense that she…

‘DEATH IS COMING.’ I RECENTLY TEXTED my friends this message, along with a picture of myself. The cause of my alarm? The discovery of an unwelcome grey hair in my eyebrow. I quickly dialled down my dramatic Leo rising and reminded myself that getting older is a privilege that is not afforded to everyone – but I wonder if this doom surrounding changes in our appearance as we age comes from being sold a ‘fix’ for this natural process, without being allowed the time and headspace to grow into those changes gradually? Some, although definitely not all, of what we’re told about ageing is true (something, as a beauty journalist for 20 years, I know all too well). There’s no denying that our bodies do start to change. Until a…

BEST FOR… TROPICAL ZEN Nihi Sumba, Indonesia There is an edge-of-the-world feeling to the paradisaical island of Sumba, an hour’s flight from Bali, where you’ll find lush forests, panoramic postcard views, wild horses galloping across golden sands – and the superior luxury of the exquisite Nihi Sumba. The hotel, known for its award-winning Spa Safaris on the rugged west coast – which guests arrive to on horseback, via safari Jeep or a sunrise trek over hills and paddy fields – has just launched its Wild Wellness series of immersive retreats, led by wellness director Melany Martinez Thomas. Based on the belief that true wellbeing comes from ‘forging an intimate connection with the power of nature’, the retreats are designed to address everything from gut-microbiome regeneration to burnout, with activities including…

LET’S THROW BACK TO 1985. DIANA, Princess of Wales, has just danced with John Travolta at the White House, ‘The Power of Love’ is the bestselling single of the year and, in the UK, a team of editors is preparing to launch a new magazine called ELLE. The first issue’s cover image of a smiling, fresh-faced 20-year-old Yasmin Le Bon is now a part of fashion history. Photographed by Gilles Tapie, the shoot took place a month before the Oxford-born, half-English, half-Persian model would marry her pop-star beau, Simon Le Bon (she was Yasmin Parvaneh at the time, and was well on her way to becoming a household name on her own). The model had already worked extensively on a range of earlier international editions of the magazine. ‘I was…

The model EVIE HARRIS Born and raised in Shepherd’s Bush, London, Harris is a 22-year-old Chanel muse who is also studying law at Oxford. Having been at the top of her game since opening for JW Anderson in 2019, she has since walked for Loewe and Dior. Her biggest career highlight to date? ‘It was a Saint Laurent video show, shot on Diamond Beach in Iceland, and an accompanying campaign shot by Juergen Teller.’ The writer AFUA HIRSCH Whether it’s in her bestselling book Brit(ish), wide-ranging television work or in her journalism, the writer and broadcaster Hirsch is always compelling. This issue, she contributes two pieces to ELLE: the cover interview with Cynthia Erivo and a feature on the growing gender divide in politics. Among Hirsch’s inspirations is Barbadian prime…

OLIVIA OZI-OIZA CHANCE’S EARLIEST FASHION MEMORIES revolve around her mother and clothes. Trips to Nigeria in search of vibrantly hued fabrics to have spliced into traditional gowns by local tailors, for example, or watching her mother’s meticulous Sunday ritual in preparation for attending church back home in Chichester, West Sussex. These formative experiences inspire much of Chance’s work today, though she admits they weren’t always easy to embrace at the time. ‘I remember being so self-conscious of how my mum dressed; growing up, you just want to fit in,’ she says. Fashion became a vehicle for Chance to reconcile the different cultural influences she experienced growing up, and she has used it to write her own identity narrative. After graduating from Middlesex University with a fashion degree in 2015 she…

UNDER A DEEP-BLUE SCOTTISH SKY, the grounds of Perthshire’s 15th-century Drummond Castle were transformed into a banquet for Maria Grazia Chiuri’s 2025 Dior cruise show. Jennifer Lawrence, Anya Taylor-Joy and Rosamund Pike sipped on champagne and sampled Scottish-inspired small plates. Tables were draped in thistle-patterned linen, while kilted waiters served bite-sized delicacies with perfectly paired wines. It’s the latest in a growing list of examples of how fashion’s immersive-show experiences are increasingly becoming gastronomic moments as well. And, as the worlds of ready-to-wear and food deepen their connection, a wave of artisan caterers and cooks have emerged as major players defining the moment. Cellar Society has arguably become the most prominent, having catered a range of high-profile events, from Kate Moss’s wedding in 2011 to the annual Fashion Awards. Be…

THIS SEASON’S MOST COVETABLE ACCESSORY CAN BE FOUND IN A BUCKET AT YOUR local petrol station for under a fiver. For SS25, the carnation is having its moment. ‘I love that they are a humble flower accessible to all,’ says Simone Rocha, the designer who first brought them onto the catwalk, wrapped in tulle, for SS25. ‘I was inspired after seeing Nelken by Pina Bausch, where a carpet of carnations was destroyed during the performance.’ It’s not just Rocha who is contributing to the carnation rebrand: Erdem embroidered them on suits and planted them in silk jacquards, while referencing the carnation as a symbol of homosexuality in the late 19th century. For a new generation of florists, carnations are top of the bunch. ‘The frill petals make them appear very…

SHEER power Nail the naked-dressing trend with a translucent skirt and bra top paired with an oversized bomber jacket for an added edge…

Off the CUFF Max Mara’s rich, chocolate-brown trench is the ultimate layering piece. Pair it with sleek, all-black staples for a look that’s timeless yet bold Tangerine DREAM Channel your inner radiance with burnt-orange hues, inspired by Hermès. It’s a great way to introduce some zing into your winter wardrobe On the FRINGES Let the swishy details of this Fendi tote catch the breeze as you stroll. A playful accent, it brings a free spirit to an essential accessory Buckle UP Opposites can attract – so experiment with unexpected contrasts this season. Make a bold statement by balancing warm, rich browns with striking azure blue LOOK forward Head-to-toe black takes on a new meaning with the season’s standout scarves, totes and sunglasses…

‘One of my favourite things about ELLE COLLECTIVE is meeting and deepening my connections with our ever-growing network of members. The ELLE team and I have always thought of our world of readers as a community, in which we all learn from each other. ELLE COLLECTIVE is allowing us to do just that’KENYA HUNT, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF With ELLE COLLECTIVE you get The ELLE Backstage Beauty Kit when you join for £149/year Annual digital and print subscription to ELLE Full access to the ELLE app, plus back issues Invitations to members-only talks Tickets to new exhibitions, film screenings and fashion events Discounts on top fashion and beauty brands Exclusive weekly agenda-setting newsletter RECEIVE A LIMITED-EDITION ELLE BACKSTAGE BEAUTY KIT WORTH £410 WHEN YOU JOIN JOIN TODAY FOR £149/YEAR and receive a LIMITED-EDITION…

ROSE CHALALAI SINGH Chalalai Singh serves food to fashion and art crowds in her private-dining atelier Rose Kitchen. Follow for haute hosting and tasty Thai treats. @rosechalalai LAILA GOHAR A food stylist know for working with Simone Rocha and making a marshmallow mountain for a Tiffany party. Check out her tableware brand. @lailacooks SLUTTY CHEFF This young London cook writes anonymously about sex, food and being a woman in the restaurant scene. Watch out for her book Tart, coming next summer. @sluttycheff SOPHIA ROE Whatever Roe’s cooking up in her studio, we want to be eating it. Her show Counter Space combines food expertise with activism and education. @sophia_roe…

SHEEP FARMERS AREN’T WHO YOU MIGHT USUALLY EXPECT TO find at Central Saint Martins. But on a brisk afternoon last November, they were among the visitors – which also included spinners, designers and manufacturers – who gathered at the prestigious art and design college for the first Wool Exchange, brought together to discuss the wonders of British wool. Wool’s benefits are startling: it’s versatile, durable, biodegradable (when not treated), temperature-regulating and grown right here in the UK. In fact, the material is leading the herd (pun intended) towards a more sustainable future for British fashion. After falling out of favour for cheaper synthetic alternatives over 50 years ago, wool is getting its mojo back. For its 2025 Cruise show, Dior landed in a surprisingly sunny Scotland, where, amid the gardens…

Back to basics When in doubt, add a cropped jacket and shades for a dose of cool…

THE COLOUR CANDY shop A sweetie box of sugary shades – marshmallow pink, sherbet lemon, pistachio cream – is yours to pick’n’mix from this season. To keep things interesting, choose exaggerated silhouettes, edgy accessories and contrasting finishes. THE SHAPE LONG story Finally, a clutch you really can fit an entire baguette into. THE TREND To the POINT Spiky, pointed heels toe the line between rebelliousness and ladylike elegance. THE LOOK COLLEGE days A* for attitude. Putting the cool in back to school, preppy codes – think pleated skirts and striped blazers – are remixed with sporty elements such as polo shirts, rugby tops and varsity jackets. THE LOOK OFFICE wear Corpcore dress codes – structured blazers, button-down shirts and ties – continue to rule the boardroom. But today’s career woman…

Start AFRESH A straight-from-a-frosty-walk flush, à la Nensi Dojaka SS25, is as much of a statement as bold eyes and vibrant lips. The key is layering glossy but glitter-free pigments for a believable, lit-from-within glow. Begin with a skin-glazing primer to add luminosity to lacklustre complexions. Layer lively colour across the lips and apples of the cheeks, then apply cream highlighter for a spotlight of dewiness; professional make-up artist brands such as Make Up For Ever offer luxurious balm formulas that last. Finish the look with lip gloss and a subtle swipe of mascara. Skin SCHOOL Double cleansing is essential when creating a thorough skincare routine. Reduce foundation, oil and SPF to an effortlessly rinsed-away milk using a rich, emollient balm as your primary step. For make-up lovers, Tatcha’s sensorial…

IT’S HARD TO IMAGINE NOW. BUT THERE ONCE WAS A TIME IN fashion when runway shows happened in private salons far from the prying eyes of social media – when creative directors stayed at the top of luxury maisons for decades, and people like you and me would not see their creations until they landed on the pages of magazines such as this one. That was before pre-fall and pre-spring and destination shows. Before the era of the influencer. Before the e-commerce disruptors came and shook up the retail landscape, and then flamed out. Before designers began to rotate in and out of top jobs at enormous brands at the speed of light. And before no fewer than 13 of them vacated their positions at houses including Fendi, Celine and…

ONE OF MY FAVOURITE QUESTIONS TO ask my fellow fortysomethings is ‘What do you predict your midlife metamorphosis will be?’ What was once known as a ‘midlife crisis’ is now, for many of us, a radical reimagining of our lives. Having an emotional affair, buying a food truck, learning to DJ, taking ayahuasca or signing up for a desert-island survival experience – these are just a few of the radical, whimsical ideas my circle of forty-somethings are entertaining as they step into this transformative phase of life. But what is it about our fourth decade that makes it feel ripe for a reckoning? Is it simply that we’ve lived long enough to be restless, tired of the way things have always been, but are not quite old enough to settle…

ONE WEEKDAY NIGHT IN A PUB IN SOHO that has long since called its final last orders, 22-year-old me met a just-turned 40-year-old man who I would go on to be involved with for the remainder of my twenties. It was a relationship (although I am under no illusion that he would ever have considered it one) defined by frustration – not least for my closest girlfriends, who were bewildered by my choices. The only thing we could agree on was that 40 was so old. You, like them, might wonder what a 40-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman (girl!) have in common. I never did. I already knew the answer: nothing. But I didn’t care. There is something wildly intoxicating about being the archetype of someone’s desire. That giddiness…

GRAB YOUR DESIGNER SWIMWEAR, YOUR posh sun cream and all your issues (there is no capacity limit on emotional baggage), it’s almost time to check into the White Lotus. Season three sees Mike White’s troubled, tanned one-percenters jet off to Thailand, meaning that Koh Samui – the island home of the Four Seasons that stands in for the fictional resort – is about to get the Taormina treatment. That is to say, it’s about to become very popular. Make that more popular. Thailand is hardly struggling for attention; last year, visitor numbers reached an estimated 36 million – and the goal for 2025 is 40 million. In October, British Airways relaunched direct flights to Bangkok from London Gatwick for the first time since 2020. Even Moo Deng, the baby pygmy…